Your AdventHealth Coronavirus Resource Hub

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase, AdventHealth is prepared to keep your community safe. Get the latest information on a continuous basis here, with new updates based on CDC recommendations.

Coronavirus:

Your Questions Answered

For more information about the novel coronavirus outbreak, look through our FAQs, get the latest news and download the app for convenient virtual doctor visits from home.

With the AdventHealth App

As we continue to face the challenge of COVID-19, we’re dedicated to keeping you safe. If you're experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or other illness, schedule an online visit through the AdventHealth app to consult face-to-face, in real time, with a real provider. Your medical professional will ask questions to determine if you need a physician’s order for coronavirus testing, and help you with other medical needs. Remember, to help prevent the spread of the virus, avoid the emergency room at your local hospital except in cases of emergency.

Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the novel coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are common throughout the world. The novel coronavirus strain also called COVID-19 was first found in China in December of 2019.

When was the novel coronavirus first detected?

A lot of people want to know "how did coronavirus start?" The novel coronavirus strain was first found in late 2019 in Wuhan City in the Hubei Province of China.

What are other forms of coronavirus?

There are multiple strains of coronaviruses that are common around the world, though there are also more severe strains as well. You may be more familiar with previous outbreaks of severe coronaviruses like MERS (MERS-CoV) or SARS (SARS-CoV).

How dangerous is coronavirus?

Most people who get sick from coronavirus experience mild symptoms, do not develop severe illness and can recover from home. The most common symptoms to watch for are fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, severe respiratory issues develop. Overall, though, coronavirus is generally mild, and about 80% of people who get it recover without significant medical intervention, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Yes, the virus spreads mainly from person-to-person. If someone has coronavirus, droplets from their coughs or sneezes can be inhaled by the people around them, and that's how the disease spreads. Coronavirus is not airborne, but does spread through droplets. Droplets are different from airborne spread because droplets fall to the ground after a few feet, whereas airborne germs are spread through the air. You can learn more about the person-to-person transmission of coronavirus here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

What are some symptoms of novel coronavirus?

The main COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC lists that other symptoms can include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. Coronaviruses can also sometimes cause illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. Learn more about coronavirus symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

I have symptoms. What do I do?

If you feel sick, call your doctor or make a telemedicine appointment. Your doctor can advise you on your best next steps. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, you should avoid the emergency department at your local hospital except in the event of an emergency.

If you've recently visited an impacted area or been in contact with someone who has, and are showing signs of the infection, we encourage you to speak with a doctor. Call your primary care physician, closest urgent care or make a telemedicine appointment.

If you have severe respiratory distress with symptoms that include fever, cough and shortness of breath, go to the ER for immediate care.

I don't have symptoms, but I'm worried because I may have been exposed to the virus. What should I do?

If you don't have any symptoms but are concerned that you might have been exposed to the virus, we recommend monitoring yourself at home. On average, coronavirus symptoms develop within 14 days of exposure to the virus. Call your primary care physician, as they can offer care personalized to your specific case.

The CDC has developed an rRT-PCR test to diagnose coronavirus. The CDC has distributed this diagnostic test to state and local public health labs in 50 American states. In addition to CDC, many public health laboratories are now testing for coronavirus.

However, your doctor or hospital may not have these diagnostic tests yet. Your physician may evaluate your symptoms and advise you on best next steps. Your doctor will also perform additional tests, as appropriate, to rule out other potential illnesses such as the flu or mononucleosis. Currently, all tests that are available are sent to the CDC and your local Department of Health.

How do I get tested for coronavirus?

As a first line of defense, your doctor can evaluate your symptoms. Physicians will also perform additional tests, as appropriate, to rule out other potential illnesses such as the flu or mononucleosis.

Unless you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, please do not go to the ER for a coronavirus test. It’s not possible to order your own coronavirus test or go to a hospital or urgent care and request one.

Instead, first contact your health care provider or the local Department of Health if you believe you are at risk for coronavirus (COVID-19). Health care officials will direct you to the appropriate place for care. In order to avoid the spread of coronavirus, you should avoid the emergency room at your local hospital except in cases of an emergency.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says this strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) seems to behave like other coronaviruses, and it may survive on surfaces for several hours or days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home (like doorknobs and light switches) and washing your hands with soap and water often to stay safe and healthy.

At this time, there's no vaccine to protect against coronavirus. And unfortunately, the answer to "is there a cure for coronavirus?" is no, at this time. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus, as much as you can. Please wash your hands frequently (for 20 seconds each time), avoid touching your face and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away.

How can I protect myself?

There are a few things you can do to minimize risk to yourself and help protect others. Stay home as much as possible, and stay 6 feet away from other people. Wash your hands thoroughly and often (for 20 seconds each time) and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. If you are sick, we recommend that you stay home and avoid close contact with other people to minimize the risk of infecting those around you. Read the CDC's steps to protect yourself and others: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

What are you doing to prepare for patients who may have the virus?

Our team takes situations like these very seriously and has been trained to properly address any potential cases of the novel coronavirus. We have a robust infection prevention program and policies that ensure patients, team members and the greater community are safeguarded. Our hospitals and outpatient locations — including Centra Care and AdventHealth Medical Group practices — are prepared should we treat a patient with coronavirus.

Do you have enough supplies to take care of patients?

The safety of our patients, their loved ones and our team members is our top priority. We've been working with our vendors and internal teams to ensure we have adequate supplies such as masks, protective equipment for team members, wipes and hand sanitizers.

For Parents: What Should You Know

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I'm pregnant.

Currently, the CDC says that pregnant women aren't at an increased risk of getting coronavirus. The CDC recommends that pregnant women should be monitored for symptoms during this time. However, we do know that pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which may make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections like coronavirus. With this in mind, pregnant women should take preventive actions like washing hands often and avoiding people who are sick in order to avoid infection.

I'm breastfeeding.

At this time, we don't know yet whether a mother who has coronavirus disease can pass it to her baby through breast milk. If you have symptoms of coronavirus and believe you and your baby may be at risk, the CDC says that your decision to stop or continue breastfeeding should be made between you and your doctor. Call your primary care physician or make a telemedicine appointment.

I have a new baby.

Thankfully, the CDC says that there's no evidence that confirms that babies and children are more susceptible to coronavirus. If you have symptoms of coronavirus and believe you and your baby may be at risk, we encourage you to speak with a doctor. The best way to do this is to call your primary care physician, closest urgent care or make a telemedicine appointment.

I have young children.

There is no evidence that children are more susceptible to this illness and, in fact, research of similar viruses has found that infection among children is relatively uncommon. Like adults, children should take preventive actions to avoid infection, such as washing hands and using hand sanitizer.

Take Control of Your Health

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Your Coronavirus Mental Health Resources

Your mental health matters every day. But right now, you may need a little more TLC mentally and emotionally — and that’s OK. Whatever support looks like for you, we hope these resources help you feel a little more at ease.

The information on this website is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately. AdventHealth reserves the right to add, remove, or edit content on this page at its sole discretion.